TikTok Removes Swastika Necklace Following Public Outcry
TikTok has taken decisive action by removing a swastika necklace from a seller’s shop after widespread outrage on social media. The item, labeled as a “Hiphop titanium steel pendant,” was discovered in users’ feeds shortly after Hanukkah, prompting a wave of criticism regarding the sale of a symbol associated with hate and antisemitism. The necklace, priced at approximately $8, was marketed as a “simple swastika symbol” suitable for both boys and girls.
By December 25, 2023, the swastika necklace was no longer available on TikTok Shop, the platform’s e-commerce feature. Despite this removal, the seller’s shop remains active, featuring other items such as a tarot card pendant and a St. Michael pendant. Notably, one of the necklaces displayed a message of solidarity regarding Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, reading “Bring Them Home–Now!” in English and “Our heart is held captive in Gaza” in Hebrew.
TikTok confirmed the removal of the necklace as soon as it was alerted. However, the company did not clarify whether any further actions would be taken against the seller, known as Twoosome. TikTok Shop’s content policy strictly prohibits the promotion of hate speech and symbols associated with hate ideologies.
The advocacy organization Jewish on Campus expressed its condemnation of the listing, stating that “when symbols tied to antisemitism and white supremacy are marketed on a major social platform, the Jewish community is impacted with shock and fear.” The organization underscored the ongoing relevance of the swastika, asserting that it represents a dark past that continues to affect the Jewish community today.
As of the latest updates, Twoosome holds a rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 on TikTok Shop, with over 5,000 products sold and more than 600 repeat customers. The brand appears to specialize in various fashion accessories, although a search did not reveal any online presence under the name of the company, Shanwei Chengcheng Technology Trading Co. Attempts by NBC News to contact the seller through TikTok Shop were met with an error message indicating that the communication could not proceed.
This incident is not isolated. Similar controversies have arisen on major e-commerce platforms in the past. For instance, in 2020, the fashion retailer Shein removed a swastika necklace from its site after facing backlash. The company claimed the item was intended to represent a Buddhist symbol but acknowledged the potential for confusion with the Nazi swastika.
Before the removal of the TikTok Shop listing, the product description was reportedly altered from “swastika symbol” to “Buddhist manji symbol.” The swastika has a complex history, originally known as the “Sanskrit svastika,” symbolizing “good fortune” or “well-being.” Historically, its use can be traced back approximately 7,000 years, functioning as a sacred symbol in various cultures, including Hinduism and Buddhism.
While TikTok has acted to eliminate this specific listing, the broader implications of such controversies highlight ongoing challenges faced by social media platforms in regulating content that may perpetuate hate and discrimination.
